Panama declared a national state of emergency on October 10 after a magnitude-7.5 to 7.7 earthquake damaged homes, roads and public facilities in central provinces, while hundreds of aftershocks continued to shake the country.
The main quake struck on October 9 at 12:56 p.m. local time near Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, with the epicenter reported northwest of Tonosí in Los Santos Province. Authorities said damage was concentrated in Los Santos, Herrera, Coclé and Veraguas, although assessments were conducted nationwide. Homes, schools, health centers, government buildings, bridges and roads were affected, leaving some rural communities difficult to reach.
At least 27 people suffered minor injuries, and officials reported no deaths or missing people in early assessments. The government said the emergency declaration would speed assistance, coordinate repairs and direct resources to affected communities. More than 200 aftershocks had been recorded by October 11, although seismologists said they were generally becoming weaker and less frequent.
Officials urged residents to avoid damaged structures and remain alert as inspections and relief operations continued.